A solemn opening ceremony of the European Powerlifting Championships has been held in Baku.

President of the Azerbaijani Powerlifting Federation Aladdin Aliyev read out a congratulatory letter of honorable President of the Federation Sevil Aliyeva.

Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Ismayil Ismayilov spoke of the Azerbaijani government`s attention to the development of sports in the country.

He said Baku became one of the sports centers of the world due to care and attention of the Head of State, President of the Azerbaijan National Olympic Committee Ilham Aliyev to sports.

President of the World Powerlifting Congress Mike Sweeney thanked for the excellent organization of the tournament.

The tournament co-organized by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Youth and Sports, National Olympic Committee, World Powerlifting Congress, Baku City Youth and Sports Department, Azerbaijani Powerlifting Federation brings together nearly 300 athletes from 27 countries.

The tournament will last till June 15.